Hamas 'captures' Israeli soldier

Reporters on the ground said there were celebrations in the streets of West Bank cities including Ramallah and Hebron following the al-Qassam Brigades' announcement, with Palestinians shooting guns in the air and praising Hamas.

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Hamas last kidnapped an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, in 2006. He was held until 2011, when he was freed in exchange for more than 1027 Palestinian prisoners, some of whom have subsequently been rearrested by Israel.

The claim came on day 13 of the latest flare-up in violence between Israel and Hamas, which has seen the deaths of more than 430 Palestinians and 18 Israelis.

Palestinians celebrate with sweets outside the Shifa hospital in Gaza City following the reported capture of an Israeli soldier during fighting in the Gaza Strip. Photo: AP